An-Najah University Hosts French Consul General to Strengthen Academic and Cultural Partnerships with French Universities
An-Najah National University recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from France, led by Mr. Nicolas Kassianides, Consul General of France in Jerusalem, and Mr. Frédéric Petit, Member of Parliament and Rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The delegation included Mr. Benjamin Deslus, Foreign Affairs Committee Officer; Mrs. Mathilde Michel, Cultural Advisor; Mrs. Maud Briard, Attaché for Higher Education; and Mr. Stéphane Vrevin, Attaché for Educational and Linguistic Cooperation.
The meeting brought together key leaders from An-Najah, including Prof. AbdelNasser Zaid, President of the University; Dr. Kherieh Rassas, President of UNIMED and Vice President for International and External Affairs; Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Khayyat, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Nidal Dwaikat, Vice President for Planning, Development, and Quality Assurance; Dr. Saed Al-Koni, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Dr. Amjad El-Qanni, Director of the Academic and Professional Development Center; and Dr. Mahmoud Saadeh, Coordinator of the French Department.
Discussions focused on exploring ways to strengthen academic collaborations between An-Najah University and French universities. Dr. Rassas emphasized the significant impact of such partnerships on enhancing the academic experiences of students and faculty, highlighting a shared commitment to expanding educational and cultural cooperation. She also underscored the importance of existing scholarship programs that provide valuable opportunities for engagement with French academic institutions.
Prof. Zaid proposed new training programs tailored for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, aiming to enhance research and training opportunities within French universities and laboratories.
The meeting also addressed the TESI initiative, which aims to empower students from Gaza to continue their university education remotely as visiting students. This initiative seeks to provide essential educational resources in response to the ongoing challenges faced by students in Gaza.
Dr. Al-Khayyat highlighted the urgent need for support due to the severe impact of the ongoing war on education in Gaza, including the destruction of universities and critical infrastructure, which hinders access to the internet and other essential resources. To address these challenges, An-Najah University has partnered with UNIMED to facilitate remote learning opportunities for students from Gaza.
The French delegation expressed their strong support for the TESI initiative, committing to provide assistance and resources from French universities to strengthen the project and support Gaza students in their educational journey.
This productive meeting underscores a promising future for academic collaboration between An-Najah University and French institutions, paving the way for expanded educational opportunities and cultural exchange. We look forward to the positive developments that will emerge from this strengthened partnership as we enter a new era of academic cooperation and growth.
